It nearly slipped away. Arkansas allowed TCU to rally from a 20-7 fourth-quarter deficit, but the Razorbacks ultimately overcame adversity to pull out an upset over their former Southwest Conference rival.

Here is an analysis of the Razorbacks’ 41-38 double-overtime victory:

5 TAKEAWAYS

  • No spotlight is too bright: Winning on the road is never easy, especially in a hostile environment against a motivated team with high expectations. Even though Arkansas allowed its lead to slip away in the fourth quarter, the team ultimately left Fort Worth with a big nonconference victory against one of the top teams in the Big 12. As the Razorbacks prepare to start SEC play, they now know they are more than capable of coming away with impressive victories on the road.
  • Allen establishes himself: The Razorbacks’ first-year quarterback Austin Allen rose to the occasion in his second career start, manufacturing a game-tying drive in the final minutes before running for the winning touchdown in double overtime. It was the second time Allen led Arkansas to a comeback victory as last week he helped the team rally to a 21-20 win over Louisiana Tech. Even though the Razorbacks were blindsided by TCU’s comeback, Allen looked both poised and confident behind center down the stretch.
  • Williams can carry the load: Last year, Arkansas relied on Alex Collins to anchor the running attack. On Saturday night, Rawleigh Williams III proved he is more than capable of being the team’s featured back as he ran for 137 yards on 28 carries. Williams was the perfect complement to the passing game, and his success caused the Horned Frogs’ defense to routinely bite on play-action passes.
  • Not so special teams: Dan Skipper blocked TCU’s potential game-winning field goal in the last seconds of regulation, but aside from that one play, the special teams struggled throughout the night. After all, it was Cole Hedlund’s missed 22-yard field goal which sparked TCU’s massive comeback. On kickoffs, Arkansas allowed an average of 31 yards on the Horned Frogs’ five returns.
  • Defense has work to do: TCU finished with 572 yards of total offense, and it overcame a 20-7 fourth-quarter deficit to take a lead with a 21-0 run in the final frame. Even though the Razorbacks’ defense held the Horned Frogs to a field goal in the second overtime –which ultimately allowed Allen and the Arkansas offense to score a walk-off, game-winning touchdown — the unit stumbled down the stretch after the offense built a commanding lead.

REPORT CARD

Offense: A – – Arkansas utilized its balanced attack to keep TCU guessing throughout the night. Although Williams was instrumental in the game plan, it was Allen’s late-game heroics which ultimately helped the Razorbacks pull off the upset.

Defense: B – – Even though the defense allowed the Horned Frogs to rack up yards throughout the game, it wasn’t until the fourth quarter that the unit started to surrender points. The fact that the defense forced two turnovers was a good sign, but if the Razorbacks continue to allow opponents to amass so many yards, it may be troublesome against SEC teams.

Special teams: D – Aside from Skipper’s blocked field goal, the unit nearly lost Arkansas the game. After the offense tied the game 28-28 with just over a minute to play, it was KaVontae Turpin’s 64-yard return on the ensuing kickoff that allowed TCU to attempt a game-winning field goal in the final seconds.

Coaching: A- – After a sluggish start to the season last week, Bret Bielema had the Razorbacks prepared. It showed early on as the Razorbacks built a 20-7 lead. Even if Arkansas took its foot off the pedal in the fourth quarter, Bielema deserves credit for how his team regrouped and pulled out a win after watching its lead slip away in a flash.

Overall: A – – The way the team allowed its lead to disappear is an area of concern, but even that can’t take away from the significance of this win. Playing at TCU acted as a dress rehearsal for future SEC road games, and Arkansas overcame adversity to win the game. In the end, that’s all that matters.

GAME PLAN

Arkansas once again relied on Williams and the offensive line to set the tone, and they did that to allow Allen and the Razorbacks’ passing game to attack the Horned Frogs’ defense. Defensively, Arkansas allowed TCU to move the chains and rack up yards between the 20s the entire night, and that worked until the fourth quarter rolled around.

GAME BALLS

  • QB Austin Allen: The signal-caller seems to have mastered the comeback after leading the team to its second come-from-behind victory in as many weeks. On the game-tying final drive, and throughout both overtimes, Allen proved he possesses the leadership traits Arkansas will need against SEC opponents.
  • RB Rawleigh Williams: For the second week in a row, the running back led the Razorbacks’ rushing attack. Against TCU, his success clearly influenced the Horned Frogs’ defense, which routinely fell for play-action fakes.
  • Dan Skipper: At times, the left tackle struggled against TCU’s pass rush. However, his block on the potential game-winning field goal was the key play that gave Arkansas a chance to pull out a win in overtime.